Caparra Ruins, Archaeological ruins in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
Caparra Ruins are the archaeological remains of Puerto Rico's first Spanish settlement from the early 1500s, featuring stone foundations and building fragments. The site displays the floor plans and structural patterns of structures from the colonial era.
The settlement was founded in 1508 by Juan Ponce de León as Puerto Rico's first capital with a stone residence serving as the administrative center. The site was later abandoned when the capital moved to San Juan.
The museum displays excavated pottery, metal objects, and armor that show how early Spanish colonists lived and worked at this settlement. These finds offer a window into daily colonial life during those early decades.
The site sits along Route 2 in Guaynabo with free admission to both the grounds and museum. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and some paths are not paved.
The foundations of the original residence show horizontal layers using a Spanish building method called tapia, which allowed researchers to reconstruct how the structure originally looked. This technique was common in southern Spain and reveals the settlers' origins.
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